Ultrasound in Sports Medicine
The use of ultrasound on athletes and active adults is increasing due to technological advances in ultrasound equipment and the advent of small, high performance systems that can be carried to the stadium or playing field. In Sports Medicine ultrasound is used to diagnose conditions such as hamstring Injuries, patella tendonosis, rotator cuff tears and many others. Sports Medicine physicians also use ultrasound to identify and assess disease, detect foreign bodies, as well as to guide injections and aspirations.
Cascade physicians use the ultrasound system in our practice to evaluate the soft tissue and tendons, mainly in the foot, ankle, knee and shoulder, and to perform ultrasound guided aspirations and injections. We find that ultrasound also helps our patients visualize their injury or condition and provides patients with a better understanding of their situation. We believe that when patients have a better understanding of their pathology, they become more involved in their own recovery. When this happens, It creates a buy in that improves compliance and ultimately facilitates the recovery process.